Structural plasticity in spiking neural networks with symmetric dual of an electronic neuron

ABSTRACT

A neural system comprises multiple neurons interconnected via synapse devices. Each neuron integrates input signals arriving on its dendrite, generates a spike in response to the integrated input signals exceeding a threshold, and sends the spike to the interconnected neurons via its axon. The system further includes multiple noruens, each noruen is interconnected via the interconnect network with those neurons that the noruen&#39;s corresponding neuron sends its axon to. Each noruen integrates input spikes from connected spiking neurons and generates a spike in response to the integrated input spikes exceeding a threshold. There can be one noruen for every corresponding neuron. For a first neuron connected via its axon via a synapse to dendrite of a second neuron, a noruen corresponding to the second neuron is connected via its axon through the same synapse to dendrite of the noruen corresponding to the first neuron.

This invention was made with Government support under HR0011-09-C-0002awarded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). TheGovernment has certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to neuromorphic and synaptronic systems,and in particular, structural plasticity for neural networks.

Neuromorphic and synaptronic systems, also referred to as artificialneural networks, are computational systems that permit electronicsystems to essentially function in a manner analogous to that ofbiological brains. Neuromorphic and synaptronic systems do not generallyutilize the traditional digital model of manipulating 0s and 1s.Instead, neuromorphic and synaptronic systems create connections betweenprocessing elements that are roughly functionally equivalent to neuronsof a biological brain. Neuromorphic and synaptronic systems may comprisevarious electronic circuits that are modeled on biological neurons.

In biological systems, the point of contact between an axon of a neuronand a dendrite on another neuron is called a synapse, and with respectto the synapse, the two neurons are respectively called pre-synaptic andpost-synaptic. The essence of our individual experiences is stored inconductance of the synapses. The synaptic conductance changes with timeas a function of the relative spike times of pre-synaptic andpost-synaptic neurons, as per spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP).The STDP rule increases the conductance of a synapse if itspost-synaptic neuron fires after its pre-synaptic neuron fires, anddecreases the conductance of a synapse if the order of the two firingsis reversed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of structural plasticity in spiking neural networks withsymmetric dual of an electronic neuron are provided herein. In oneembodiment, the invention provides a neural system comprising multipleneuron devices interconnected via an interconnect network comprising aplurality of synapse devices. Each neuron integrates input signalsarriving on its dendrite, generates a spike signal in response to theintegrated input signals exceeding a threshold, and sends the spikesignal to the interconnected neurons via its axon. The system furthercomprises multiple noruen devices corresponding to the neurons, eachnoruen comprising a symmetric dual of a neuron. Each noruen isinterconnected via the interconnect network with those neurons that thenoruen's corresponding noruen sends its axon to. Each noruen integratesinput spike signals from connected spiking neurons and generates aspiking signal in response to the integrated input spike signalsexceeding a threshold.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a neural systemcomprising a neuron network of multiple neuron devices interconnectedvia a forward interconnect network including a plurality of synapses.Each neuron integrates input signals arriving on its dendrite, generatesa spike signal in response to the integrated input signals exceeding athreshold, and sends the spike signal to the interconnected neurons viaits axon. The system further comprises a noruen network of multiplenoruen devices connected to the neuron network via the interconnectnetwork, one noruen for every corresponding noruen, wherein each noruencomprises a symmetric dual of a neuron. For a first neuron that isconnected via its axon through a synapse to dendrite of a second neuron,a noruen corresponding to the second neuron is connected via its axonthrough the same synapse to dendrite of the neuron corresponding to thefirst neuron. Each neuron integrating input spike signals from connectedspiking neurons and generating a spiking signal in response to theintegrated input spike signals exceeding a threshold.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become understood with reference to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of a spiking neural network withstructural plasticity including electronic neurons and symmetric dualsof electronic neurons, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of an electronic neuron, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of a system of multiple interconnectedspiking neural networks of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2B shows a flowchart of a process for operation of a spiking neuralnetwork, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a synapse device for a neural network,according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a system of multiple interconnectedelectronic neurons and symmetric duals of electronic neurons withreinforcement learning, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A shows a block diagram of a system of multiple interconnectedsymmetric duals of electronic neurons reinforcement learning, accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B shows a flowchart of a process for operation of a spiking neuralnetwork, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 shows a high level block diagram of an information processingsystem useful for implementing one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention provide structural plasticity in spikingneural networks including electronic neurons and symmetric duals ofelectronic neurons.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a neural system comprisingmultiple neuron devices interconnected via an interconnect networkcomprising a plurality of synapse devices. Each neuron integrates inputsignals arriving on its dendrite, generates a spike signal in responseto the integrated input signals exceeding a threshold, and sends thespike signal to the interconnected neurons via its axon. The systemfurther comprises multiple noruen devices corresponding to the neurons,each noruen comprising a symmetric dual of a neuron. Each noruen isinterconnected via the interconnect network with those neurons that thenoruen's corresponding noruen sends its axon to. Each noruen integratesinput spike signals from connected spiking neurons and generates aspiking signal in response to the integrated input spike signalsexceeding a threshold.

Each noruen implements the same spiking dynamics as its correspondingnoruen. An address modulator that modulates the interconnect network toenable forward flow of information by routing said spike signals fromthe spiking neurons to the neurons on their axons, and enables backwardflow of information by routing said spike signals from the spikingneurons to the noruens.

In one embodiment, the interconnect network comprises a crossbar of aplurality of axons and a plurality of dendrites such that the axons anddendrites are orthogonal to one another, wherein each synapse device isat a cross-point junction of the crossbar coupled between a dendrite andan axon.

In one embodiment, a pre-synaptic neuron receives input signals viabackward signaling on dendrites of spiking post-synaptic neuronsconnected with the axon of a neuron corresponding to the noruen. Apost-synaptic neuron receives input signals via forward signaling axonsof connected pre-synaptic neurons.

In one embodiment, each synapse device comprises a symmetric synapsedevice that enables reading and updating synapse weights along axons anddendrites. Each synapse device has a synaptic weight that affects thefunctional behavior of the synapse device.

In another embodiment, an interface module selectively updates synapticweights for reinforcement learning based on reinforcement signals. Inresponse to a spike signal from a spiking neuron due to a positiveevent, the interface module updates synaptic weight of a connectingsynapse device based on a first learning rule. Further, in response to aspike signal from a spiking neuron due to a negative event, theinterface module updates synaptic weight of a connecting synapse devicebased on a second learning rule.

In one embodiment, if a neuron and its corresponding noruen repeatedlyfire together, then the axon of said neuron is effectively utilized suchthat axon of the neuron remains connected in the interconnect network.If a neuron and its corresponding noruen repeatedly do not firetogether, then the axon of the neuron is ineffectively utilized suchthat interconnection of the axon of the neuron is switched in theinterconnect network.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, an embodiment of a spiking neural network 50according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a crossbar 12interconnecting digital electronic neurons 51.

The crossbar 12 comprises axon paths/wires (axons) 26, dendritepaths/wires (dendrites) 34, and synapse devices (synapses) 31 atcross-point junctions of each axon 26 and each dendrite 34. As such,each connection between an axon 26 and a dendrite 34 is made through adigital synapse 31. The junctions where the synapses 31 located arereferred to herein as cross-point junctions. In one example, thecrossbar 12 may have a pitch in the range of about 0.1 nm to 10 μm.Circuits 37 for Set/Reset are peripheral electronics that are used toload learned synaptic weights into the chip.

In general, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, dendriticneurons will “fire” (i.e., spike by transmitting a pulse) in response tothe inputs they receive from axonal input connections exceeding athreshold. Axonal neurons will “fire” (i.e., spike by transmitting apulse) in response to the inputs they receive from dendritic inputconnections exceeding a threshold. Thus, axonal neurons will function asdendritic neurons in response to receiving inputs along their dendriticconnections. Likewise, dendritic neurons will function as axonal neuronswhen sending signals out along their axonal connections. When any of thedendritic and axonal neurons fire, they will send a pulse out to theiraxonal and to their dendritic connections.

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of an electronic neuron 51, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. Each neuron 51 hasoperational/functional dynamics and characteristics. As an example ofsuch dynamics, for each excitatory spike received by neuron 51, an inputintegrator module 51A increases a membrane potential V of the neuron bya certain amount s₊, while for each inhibitory spike the neuron receivesthe input integrator module 81 decreases V by a certain amount s⁻. Adigital clock signal provides time steps. According to a comparatormodule 51B, if input to the neuron 80 increases V above a voltagethreshold θ, a spike is generated (and V may be set to a reset valueV_(reset)).

The network 50 further includes digital devices 52 termed “noruens. Inthe description herein, a noruen 52 is symmetric dual of an electronicneuron 51, with the same diagram as that in FIG. 1B for a neuron 51.Each noruen 52 has the same operational/functional dynamics andcharacteristics as a neuron 51. A neuron 51 receives inputs via itsdendrites and projects outputs via its axons. A noruen 52 is a logicaldevice and is a symmetric dual of a neuron 51. Noruens 52 receive inputsvia axons of connected neurons 51, and the noruens 52 project outputsvia dendrites of the connected neurons 51.

In one embodiment, soft-wiring in the network 50 is implemented usingaddress events which are non-deterministic (e.g., Address-EventRepresentation (AER)). In the network 50, “To AER” element modules 28and “From AER” element modules 29 facilitate communications betweenmultiple networks 50. In the network 50, spikes arrive via “From AER”interface modules 29, and propagate via axons 26 to dendrites 34 of theneurons 51. Neurons 51 fire when they receive (i.e., in response toreceiving) sufficient inputs and send spikes to axonal targets via “ToAER” modules 28. Neurons 51 send signals back to all noruens 52 on thedendrites 34, wherein noruens 52 fire when they receive (i.e., inresponse to receiving) sufficient inputs.

Soft-wiring in the network 50 is implemented using address events whichare non-deterministic as in AER. In the network 50, “To AER” elementmodules 28 and “From AER” element modules 29 facilitate communicationsbetween multiple networks 50 as illustrates by the system 60 in FIG. 2A.The system 60 includes an AER interconnect module 65 that providesaddressing functions for selectively interconnecting the AER elementmodules 28 and 29 in different networks 50. Each “To AER” element module28 is connected to a “From AER” element module 29 via the AERinterconnect module 65 which provides soft-wiring between the networks50. The crossbar 12 in each network 50 provides hard-wiring therein.

When a neuron 51 spikes, the neuron 51 communicates the spike signal toa “To AER” module 28 which in turn communicates with a “From AER” module29. The spike signal is further sent from the spiking neuron 51 back viaa dendrite 34 to connected noruens 52. The noruens 52 receive the spikesignals as inputs (much like the neurons 51 do), and when each noruen 52receives sufficient input, the noruen 52 spikes.

As such, there is local propagation of information back from neurons 51to noruen 52 via dendrites 34. Specifically, there is local forward flowof information because signals from “From AER” modules 29 arecommunicated to neurons 51 via axons 26 and dendrites 34. Each neuron 51comprises an integrate and fire neuron which integrates received inputsignals from “From AER” modules 29, and fires (spikes) when theintegrated input signals exceed a threshold. A spiking signal from aneuron 51 is transmitted to the connected “To AER” module 28. Further,there is local backward flow of information because when a neuron 51spikes, it also sends a spike signal through dendrites 34 and axons 26to connected noruen 52. Each neuron integrates input signals fromneurons 51 and fires (spikes) when the integrated input signals exceed athreshold. The output signal from a spiking noruen 52 goes back to theneuron 51 that the noruen 52 corresponds to.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the noruens 52 are utilizedto achieve structural plasticity via learning rules. Preferably, spikingby the neurons 51 and noruen 52 is balanced, and used to determinewhether to soft-rewire axons 26 of the neurons 51. If a neuron 51 spikesand then a noruen 52 spikes, the axonal connections for the current setof axonal targets is acceptable as providing balanced spiking. However,if a noruen 52 spikes and then a neuron 51 spikes, the axonalconnections for the current set of axonal targets need to be switched(routed differently), as described below.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the system 60 includes multiple networks 50interconnected by an AER interconnect module 65 that provides addressingfunctions and selectively interconnecting AER element modules 28 and 29in networks 50. The AER interconnect module 65 selectively interconnectsAER element modules 28 and to AER element modules 29 in differentnetworks 50. When a neuron 51 spikes, it has a certain “To AER” addressto communicate with. According to an embodiment of the invention, theinterconnectivity between AER element modules 28 and 29 may be changedto maintain balance between spiking of neurons 51 and connected noruens52, as described above. As such, the neuron and neuron addressesthemselves are plastic, or adaptive, based on rerouting criteria toachieve said balance. The axonal target addresses (i.e., the “To AER”and the “From AER”) are modulated to achieve said balance using anaddress modulation block 67 that enables selectively changinginterconnectivity between AER element modules 28 and 29.

FIG. 2B shows a flowchart of a process 100 for producing structuralplasticity in a neural network, such as network 50 in FIG. 1A, accordingto an embodiment of the invention, comprising the following processblocks:

-   -   Process block 101: Integrating input spikes in a neural network        comprising multiple neurons interconnected with multiple        corresponding noruens via an interconnect network;    -   Process block 102: Each neuron integrating input signals        arriving on its dendrite, generating a spike signal when the        integrated input signals exceed a threshold, and sending the        spike signal to the interconnected neurons via its axon;    -   Process block 103: Each neuron integrating input spike signals        from connected spiking neurons and generating a spiking signal        when the integrated input spike signals exceed a threshold;    -   Process block 104: Modulating the interconnect network to enable        forward flow of information by routing said spike signals from        the spiking neurons to the neurons on their axons;    -   Process block 105: Enabling backward flow of information by        routing said spike signals from the spiking neurons to the        noruens;    -   Process block 106: A pre-synaptic noruen receiving input signals        via backward signaling on dendrites of spiking post-synaptic        neurons connected with the axon of a neuron corresponding to the        noruen;    -   Process block 107: A post-synaptic neuron receiving input        signals via forward signaling axons of connected pre-synaptic        neurons;    -   Process block 108: When a neuron and its corresponding noruen        repeatedly fire together, maintaining connection of the axon of        said neuron in the interconnect network; and    -   Process block 109: When a neuron and its corresponding noruen        repeatedly do not fire together, switching connection of the        axon of the neuron the interconnect network.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, each synapse 31 comprises asymmetric synapse device, such as static random access memory (SRAM)cell, that permits reading and updating synapse weights along axons anddendrites. A transposable cell 31 is utilized for pre-synaptic (row) andpost-synaptic (column) synapse updates. WL_(H) stands for horizontal(axonal) wordlines and BL_(H) stands for horizontal (axonal) bitlines asfor memory arrays. WL_(H), BL_(H), BL _(H) (inversion of BL_(H)) areused for axonal updates of the synapse 31, and WL_(V), BL_(V), BL _(V)are used for dendritic updates of the synapse 31. The binary synapses 31may be updated probabilistically (e.g., using random number generatorsin neurons 51).

In one embodiment, pre-synaptic noruens 52 receive input signals viaaxons 26 of connected spiking post-synaptic neurons 51. Further,pre-synaptic spiking noruens 52 project spiking signals via dendrites 34of connected post-synaptic neurons 51.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each synapse 31 hasparameters (such as a synaptic weight) that define functional behaviorof the synapse 31. As such, synaptic weights for synapses 31 affect thefunctional behavior of the synapses 31. A spike signal from a neuron 51creates a voltage bias across a connected synapse 31, resulting in acurrent flow into downstream neurons 51. The magnitude of that currentflow is based on the synaptic weight (conductance) of a synapse 31. Themagnitude of the current flow, or other sensing mechanisms, are used todeterministically read the synaptic weight of a synapse 31. In oneexample, an interface module 68 programs/updates synaptic weights suchthat each synapse 31 in the crossbar 12 has a synaptic weight thataffects (e.g., programs) the functional behavior (e.g., electricalconductivity) of the synapse 31 based on the corresponding synapticweight (e.g., “0” indicating a synapse 31 is not conducting, “1”indicating the synapse 31 is conducting).

Embodiments of the invention further provide reinforcement learning.Reinforcement learning (RL) generally comprises learning based onconsequences of actions, wherein an RL module selects actions based onpast events. A reinforcement signal received by the RL module is areward (e.g., a numerical value) which indicates the success of anaction. The RL module then learns to select actions that increase therewards over time.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a neural system,comprising a neuron network of multiple neurons interconnected via aforward interconnect network including a plurality of synapses. Eachneuron: integrates input signals arriving on its dendrite, generates aspike signal when the integrated input signals exceed a threshold, andsends the spike signal to the interconnected neurons via its axon. Thesystem further includes a noruen network comprising multiple noruensconnected to the neuron network via the interconnect network, one noruenfor every corresponding neuron, wherein each noruen comprises asymmetric dual of a neuron. For a first neuron that is connected via itsaxon through a synapse to dendrite of a second neuron, a noruencorresponding to the second neuron is connected via its axon through thesame synapse to dendrite of the noruen corresponding to the firstneuron. Each noruen integrating input spike signals from connectedspiking neurons and generating a spiking signal when the integratedinput spike signals exceed a threshold.

In one embodiment, a set of neurons are designated as input neurons anda set of neurons are designated as output neurons. Input-to-outputprocessing is carried out by the neuron network and the output-to-inputprocessing is carried out by the noruen network. A synaptic learning inthe system is a function of the activity in the neuron network and thenoruen network. The synaptic learning strives to maximize agreementbetween spiking of every neuron and its corresponding noruen. Thesynaptic learning strives to maximize disagreement between spiking ofevery neuron and its corresponding noruen.

In one embodiment, a set of neurons are designated for feedback, suchthat whenever a feedback neuron spikes the corresponding noruen is madeto spike. Input neurons are presented with input patterns and neuronscorresponding to output neurons are presented with desired outputpatterns. When a neuron and a corresponding noruen spike togetherrepeatedly, the synapses that contribute to their spiking arestrengthened. When a neuron and a corresponding noruen spikingrepeatedly disagree, the synapses that contribute to their spiking areweakened.

In one embodiment, input neurons are presented with the input patternsand noruens corresponding to output neurons are presented with undesiredoutput patterns. When a neuron and a corresponding noruen spike togetherrepeatedly, the synapses that contribute to their spiking are weakened.

A spiking neuron network can be modeled as a directed graph comprising acollection of vertices and edges, wherein a directed graph hasdirectional edges. As shown by example system 80 in FIG. 4, in a neuronnetwork 82 spiking neurons 51 are vertices and synapses 31 are weighteddirected edges. In one implementation, the neurons 51 are interconnectedvia a crossbar (such as crossbar 12 in FIG. 1A). According to anembodiment of the invention, a spiking noruen network 84 comprisesmultiple noruens 52. In one implementation, the noruens 52 areinterconnected via a crossbar (such as crossbar 12 in FIG. 1A). Given aneuron network 82, an associated noruen network 84 is formed byreplacing each neuron by a noruen, and reversing directionality of eachsynapse (in terms of signal transmitting direction) but keeping thesynaptic weight. In one embodiment, an AER interconnect module connectsthe networks 82 and 84.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the synaptic weights areupdated according to learning rules using an interface module. There isno learning in a spiking neuron network (i.e., synaptic weights in thespiking neuron network are not updated). The neuron network interactswith other modules and receives spikes. If a spike due to a desirableevent (positive event) occurs, then a set of neurons 51 in the neuronnetwork 82 that are responsible for the spiking are identified. A shorttime window (e.g., about 10 ms to about 100 ms) is selected, whereinwhenever one of the identified neurons 51 spikes, its associated noruen52 is also caused to spike by simply declaring that it has spiked. Spikesignal of a noruen 52 then propagates along the spiking noruen network84 (e.g., via connected axons/dendrites and synapses). A learning rule(such as STDP) is applied in the spiking noruen network 84 to updatesynaptic weights therein via the interface module 68. The learnedweights are then used in the spiking neuron network 82 because the sameset of weights are used in neuron and neuron networks, (this isautomatic).

If a spike due to an undesirable event (negative event) occurs, then aset of neurons 51 in the neuron network 82 that are responsible for theundesirable event are identified. A short time window is selected,wherein whenever one of the identified neurons 51 spikes, its associatednoruen 52 also spikes. Spike signal of a noruen 52 then propagates alongthe spiking noruen network 84 (e.g., via connected axons/dendrites andsynapses), a learning rule (such as anti-STDP) is applied to updatesynaptic weights in the spiking noruen network 84. The learned weightsare then used in the spiking neuron network 82. The desirable andundesirable scenarios are similar except that different learning rulesare applied for updating the synaptic weights in the network 84.

Whenever a desirable event occurs, spiking along the neuron networkimplicitly determines causal synaptic links that may have caused theassociated neurons to spike and updates the synaptic weights tostrengthen the involved synaptic links. Whenever an undesirable eventoccurs, spiking along the neuron network implicitly determines causalsynaptic links that may have caused the associated neurons to spike andupdates the synaptic weights to weaken the involved synaptic links.

Referring to FIG. 5A, in another embodiment, two noruen networks 84 areutilized in a neural system 90, wherein spiking signals indicatingdesirable outcomes propagate in one neuron network, and spiking signalsindicating undesirable outcomes propagate in the other neuron network.In one embodiment, if desirable and undesirable spiking signal phasesoverlap then desirable (reward) spiking signals are propagated on thedesirable event noruen network (with STDP), and undesirable spikingsignals are propagated on the undesirable event noruen network (withanti-STDP).

FIG. 5B shows a flowchart of a process 200 for producing structuralplasticity in a neural network, according to an embodiment of theinvention, comprising the following process blocks:

-   -   Process block 201: Integrating input spikes in a neuron network;    -   Process block 202: Each neuron integrating input signals        arriving on its dendrite, generating a spike signal when the        integrated input signals exceed a threshold, and sending the        spike signal to the interconnected neurons via its axon;    -   Process block 203: Integrating input spikes in a noruen network,        wherein for a first neuron that is connected via its axon        through a synapse to dendrite of a second neuron, a noruen        corresponding to the second neuron is connected via its axon        through the same synapse to dendrite of the noruen corresponding        to the first neuron;    -   Process block 204: Each noruen integrating input spike signals        from connected spiking neurons and generating a spiking signal        when the integrated input spike signals exceed a threshold;    -   Process block 205: Designating a set of neurons as input neurons        and a set of neurons as output neurons, and performing        input-to-output processing in the neuron network and performing        output-to-input processing in the noruen network;    -   Process block 206: Maintaining a synaptic learning as a function        of the activity in the neuron network and the noruen network. In        one example, synaptic learning strives to maximize agreement        between spiking of every neuron and its corresponding noruen. In        another example, the synaptic learning strives to maximize        disagreement between spiking of every neuron and its        corresponding noruen;    -   Process block 207: Designating set of neurons as feedback        neurons, such that whenever a feedback neuron spikes the        corresponding noruen is made to spike;    -   Process block 208: When a neuron and a corresponding noruen        spike together repeatedly, the synapses that contribute to their        spiking are strengthened, and when a neuron and a corresponding        noruen spiking repeatedly disagree, the synapses that contribute        to their spiking are weakened; and    -   Process block 209: When a neuron and a corresponding noruen        spike together repeatedly, the synapses that contribute to their        spiking are weakened.

The term neuron device (electronic neuron) as used herein represents anarchitecture configured to simulate a biological neuron. An electronicneuron creates connections between processing elements that are roughlyfunctionally equivalent to neurons of a biological brain. As such, aneuromorphic and synaptronic system comprising electronic neuronsaccording to embodiments of the invention may include various electroniccircuits that are modeled on biological neurons. Further, a neuromorphicand synaptronic system comprising electronic neurons according toembodiments of the invention may include various processing elements(including computer simulations) that are modeled on biological neurons.Although certain illustrative embodiments of the invention are describedherein using electronic neurons comprising electronic circuits, thepresent invention is not limited to electronic circuits. A neuromorphicand synaptronic system according to embodiments of the invention can beimplemented as a neuromorphic and synaptronic architecture comprisingcircuitry, and additionally as a computer simulation. Indeed,embodiments of the invention can take the form of an entirely hardwareembodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment containingboth hardware and software elements. The terms noruen device (electronicnoruen) and synapse device (electronic synapse) may also be implementedas described above.

FIG. 6 is a high level block diagram showing an information processingsystem 300 useful for implementing one embodiment of the presentinvention. The computer system includes one or more processors, such asprocessor 302. The processor 302 is connected to a communicationinfrastructure 304 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, ornetwork).

The computer system can include a display interface 306 that forwardsgraphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 304(or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 308.The computer system also includes a main memory 310, preferably randomaccess memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 312. Thesecondary memory 312 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 314and/or a removable storage drive 316, representing, for example, afloppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, or an optical disk drive. Theremovable storage drive 316 reads from and/or writes to a removablestorage unit 318 in a manner well known to those having ordinary skillin the art. Removable storage unit 318 represents, for example, a floppydisk, a compact disc, a magnetic tape, or an optical disk, etc. which isread by and written to by removable storage drive 316. As will beappreciated, the removable storage unit 318 includes a computer readablemedium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In alternative embodiments, the secondary memory 312 may include othersimilar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to beloaded into the computer system. Such means may include, for example, aremovable storage unit 320 and an interface 322. Examples of such meansmay include a program package and package interface (such as that foundin video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, orPROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 320 andinterfaces 322 which allow software and data to be transferred from theremovable storage unit 320 to the computer system.

The computer system may also include a communication interface 324.Communication interface 324 allows software and data to be transferredbetween the computer system and external devices. Examples ofcommunication interface 324 may include a modem, a network interface(such as an Ethernet card), a communication port, or a PCMCIA slot andcard, etc. Software and data transferred via communication interface 324are in the form of signals which may be, for example, electronic,electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received bycommunication interface 324. These signals are provided to communicationinterface 324 via a communication path (i.e., channel) 326. Thiscommunication path 326 carries signals and may be implemented using wireor cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link,and/or other communication channels.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium,” “computer usablemedium,” and “computer readable medium” are used to generally refer tomedia such as main memory 310 and secondary memory 312, removablestorage drive 316, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 314.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored inmain memory 310 and/or secondary memory 312. Computer programs may alsobe received via communication interface 324. Such computer programs,when run, enable the computer system to perform the features of thepresent invention as discussed herein. In particular, the computerprograms, when run, enable the processor 302 to perform the features ofthe computer system. Accordingly, such computer programs representcontrollers of the computer system.

From the above description, it can be seen that the present inventionprovides a system, computer program product, and method for implementingthe embodiments of the invention. References in the claims to an elementin the singular is not intended to mean “one and only” unless explicitlyso stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functionalequivalents to the elements of the above-described exemplary embodimentthat are currently known or later come to be known to those of ordinaryskill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expresslyrecited using the phrase “means for” or “step for.”

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for reinforcement learning, the methodcomprising: receiving at least one reinforcement signal from at leastone spiking neuron of a neural network comprising multiple neuronsinterconnected by multiple synapse devices, wherein each reinforcementsignal corresponds to a past event involving an action, and thereinforcement signal represents a reward indicating success of theaction; and balancing spiking in the neural network based on the atleast one reinforcement signal.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinbalancing spiking in the neural network comprises: selectively changinginterconnectivity between the multiple neurons using address modulation.3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a spike signalfrom a spiking neuron of the neural network, wherein the spike signalrepresents occurrence of a desirable event.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising: receiving a spike signal from a spiking neuron ofthe neural network, wherein the spike signal represents occurrence of anundesirable event.
 5. A system comprising a computer processor, acomputer-readable hardware storage device, and program code embodiedwith the computer-readable hardware storage device for execution by thecomputer processor to implement a method for reinforcement learning, themethod comprising: receiving at least one reinforcement signal from atleast one spiking neuron of a neural network comprising multiple neuronsinterconnected by multiple synapse devices, wherein each reinforcementsignal corresponds to a past event involving an action, and thereinforcement signal represents a reward indicating success of theaction; and balancing spiking in the neural network based on the atleast one reinforcement signal.
 6. The system of claim 5, whereinbalancing spiking in the neural network comprises: selectively changinginterconnectivity between the multiple neurons using address modulation.7. The system of claim 5, further comprising: receiving a spike signalfrom a spiking neuron of the neural network, wherein the spike signalrepresents occurrence of a desirable event.
 8. The system of claim 5,further comprising: receiving a spike signal from a spiking neuron ofthe neural network, wherein the spike signal represents occurrence of anundesirable event.
 9. A computer program product comprising acomputer-readable hardware storage device having program code embodiedtherewith, the program code being executable by a computer to implementa computer program product for reinforcement learning, the computerprogram product comprising: receiving at least one reinforcement signalfrom at least one spiking neuron of a neural network comprising multipleneurons interconnected by multiple synapse devices, wherein eachreinforcement signal corresponds to a past event involving an action,and the reinforcement signal represents a reward indicating success ofthe action; and balancing spiking in the neural network based on the atleast one reinforcement signal.
 10. The computer program product ofclaim 9, wherein balancing spiking in the neural network comprises:selectively changing interconnectivity between the multiple neuronsusing address modulation.
 11. The computer program product of claim 9,further comprising: receiving a spike signal from a spiking neuron ofthe neural network, wherein the spike signal represents occurrence of adesirable event.
 12. The computer program product of claim 9, furthercomprising: receiving a spike signal from a spiking neuron of the neuralnetwork, wherein the spike signal represents occurrence of anundesirable event.